The gulf cooperation council (GCC) activated carbon market is expected to reach USD 330.3 million by 2024, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Activated carbon is a porous material which is used to adsorb contaminants. Increasing water treatment processes in the GCC region is expected to drive activated carbon market demand. GCC countries experience water scarcity due to low rainfall, low underground water levels and rising water demand from the agricultural sector. This trend has compelled strict water treatment process implementation for water recycling.

High pollution emission as compared to other Gulf countries is a cause of concern for GCC countries. These countries have been trying to reduce emission levels by employing activated carbon medium for flue gas treatment. Government initiatives to curb pollution are expected to grow during the forecast period thus driving the GCC activated carbon market growth.

Exhausted activated carbons can be recycled by regeneration process. Thermal, steam, biological, and chemical are some of the processes employed. Regenerated activated carbon possesses the same adsorbing capacity as that of virgin counterpart thus providing cost effectiveness. Efforts are being made to develop chemical regeneration process as it avoids high energy consumption by using chemicals to free activated carbon from contamination.

Further key findings from the report suggest:

The GCC activated carbon market demand was 52.5 kilo tons in 2015 and is expected to exceed 150 kilo tons by 2024, growing at a CAGR of 13.0% from 2016 to 2024.

Powdered activated carbon emerged as the leading product segment and accounted for 55.5% of total market volume in 2015. Powdered activated carbon is used to treat waste water. It is also expected to witness the highest growth of 13.9% over the forecast period.

Liquid phase was the leading application segment and accounted for 56.0% of total volume in 2015. Increasing need for water purification in the region is expected to drive this segment. Gas phase is expected to witness the highest growth of 14.5% over the forecast period.

Water treatment industry was the leading activated carbon consumer in the GCC and accounted for over 45% of total market volume in 2015. The industry is also expected to witness the highest growth of 13.6% over the forecast period.

Saudi Arabia was the leading regional market and accounted for 52.7% of the regional demand in 2015. The water scarcity and implementation of waste and flue gas treatment are expected to remain key drivers for the domestic market. Qatar is expected to witness the highest growth of 19.8% over the forecast period.